Have you ever heard of the Appalachian Trail? This incredibly scenic, 2,200-mile trail stretches from Georgia to Maine, and each year many hikers attempt to hike the entire trail. For many, it is a lifelong dream. If you were going to hike the Appalachian Trail, then you'd better have an understanding of how decimals and fractions relate to each other—or you could find yourself lost!

Think About This

Distances on trail signs are usually written in decimals, and the Appalachian Trail is no exception. If you don't understand the difference between 1.7 miles and 7.1 miles, then you could be caught without shelter or wondering how long it will take you to reach the next water source or small town. Take a look at the trail sign below.

Imagine that you are just beginning your hike. You can see from this sign that the next trail crossing is 1.7 miles away. Looking at your map, you see that there's also a creek at the crossing where you can gather more water. If you understand decimals and fractions, you would know that 1.7 miles is a little more than one and a half miles. This may not seem important right now, but think about how valuable this information would be if you were out of water, out of food, or looking for a place to camp for the night. Decimals and fractions can be your guide.